What lies behind the curtain: Cryptic diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance
Fecha
2022
Tipo
artículo original
Autores
Cháves González, Luis Enrique
Morales Calvo, Fernando Arturo
Mora Rodríguez, Javier Francisco
Solano Barquero, Alberto Alonso
Verocai, Guilherme G.
Rojas Araya, Alicia
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Resumen
Parasite cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms, leading to taxa
with unclear species boundaries. Speciation mechanisms such as cospeciation, host colonization, taxon pulse, and
oscillation may lead to the emergence of cryptic species, influencing host-parasite interactions, parasite ecology,
distribution, and biodiversity. The study of cryptic species diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary
importance has gained relevance, since their distribution may affect clinical and epidemiological features such as
pathogenicity, virulence, drug resistance and susceptibility, mortality, and morbidity, ultimately affecting patient
management, course, and outcome of treatment. At the same time, the need for recognition of cryptic species
diversity has implied a transition from morphological to molecular diagnostic methods, which are becoming more
available and accessible in parasitology. Here, we discuss the general approaches for cryptic species delineation
and summarize some examples found in nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance, along with the clinical implications of their taxonomic status. Lastly, we highlight the need for the correct
interpretation of molecular information, and the correct use of definitions when reporting or describing new
cryptic species in parasitology, since molecular and morphological data should be integrated whenever possible
Descripción
Palabras clave
Speciation, Cryptic species, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Species complex, Parasitology